Yoon: "Korea and Africa Will Grow Together by Helping Each Other" (Comprehensive)

Korea-Africa Summit Official Welcome Dinner
"Ready to Move Forward as True Friends"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is toasting with African leaders at the Korea-Africa Summit welcome dinner held on the 3rd at the Shilla Hotel State Guesthouse in Jung-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol held an official welcome dinner on the 3rd at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, inviting more than 60 leaders and representatives from 48 African countries attending the Korea-Africa Summit, along with key domestic figures.

In his dinner speech, President Yoon stated, "Since the beginning of my term, I have consistently emphasized the need to establish a mutually beneficial and long-term partnership with African countries," adding, "With mutual understanding and respect, by giving and receiving help, Korea will grow together with Africa."

President Yoon said, "The reason Korea and Africa have gathered in one place like this is to directly witness Korea's development, share each other's experiences, and gain wisdom and inspiration to develop together," and introduced, "The Republic of Korea rose from the ruins of the Korean War 70 years ago and achieved remarkable economic growth known as the Miracle on the Han River."

He particularly noted the significant roles played by entrepreneurs and the people in Korea's current status. President Yoon explained, "There were leaders who read the flow of changing times and presented blueprints for national development, entrepreneurs who constantly challenged themselves without fear of failure, and the people's efforts who worked day and night with the hope of 'living well'?these three elements united to achieve an economic leap."

He also emphasized, "Having experienced the poorest and most difficult times and having pioneered the path of economic development and prosperity most dramatically, we understand better than anyone the aspirations for Africa's development and prosperity," and stressed, "Korea is ready to move forward together into the future as a sincere friend of Africa."

Yoon: "Korea's Traditions Align with African Spirit"

Furthermore, President Yoon mentioned that Korea's traditions of 'Dure' and 'Pumsasi' align with the African spirit. He referred to 'Ubuntu' of the Bantu people in southern Africa, meaning "I am because you are, and I exist because we exist," and 'Harambe' in Swahili of eastern Africa, meaning "working together."

Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, praised President Yoon's will to develop relations with Africa in his remarks, saying, "If both sides strengthen cooperation and solidify partnerships, it will not only bring mutual benefits but also contribute to solving global challenges."

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon proposed a toast, saying, "As the slogan of the Korea-Africa Summit suggests, I hope this meeting will greatly contribute to promoting mutual growth, sustainability, and solidarity."

President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee are attending the welcome dinner for the '2024 Korea-Africa Summit' held at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 3rd, watching a cultural performance. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the day, President Yoon entered the banquet hall with his wife, First Lady Kim Keon-hee, welcoming the spouses of African leaders. The dinner featured a diverse cultural performance blending modern and traditional elements, Korea and Africa. The collaborative performance combining the pungmul of Namsadangpae and African percussion and dance concluded the stage, delivering a message of solidarity that Korea and Africa walk together.

The dinner menu featured dishes expressing the vast African continent's characteristics?desert, savanna, rivers, and plateaus?using unique ingredients from Korea and Africa such as gim (seaweed), gochujang (red chili paste), cassava, and couscous.

Thirteen ministers and chiefs from various ministries, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Hwang Woo-yeo, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, and other political and governmental figures attended the dinner, along with economic leaders including Ryu Jin, chairman of the Korea Economic Association; Sohn Kyung-shik, chairman of the Korea Employers Federation; Yoon Jin-sik, chairman of the Korea International Trade Association; Choi Jin-sik, chairman of the Korea Federation of SMEs; Chung Eui-sun, chairman of Hyundai Motor Group; and Jang In-hwa, chairman of POSCO Group.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.